The human shoulder joint is designed similar to the hip joint. It has two major parts namely the ball and the socket. The socket section is usually quite shallow and very unstable. However, these shortcomings are compensated for by a cartilage cuff called the labrum which forms a cup inside which the arm bones moves. SLAP, an abbreviation for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior simply refers to a labral tear. A SLAP injury, also called a SLAP tear, usually occurs in the labrum section of the shoulder joint.

The injury is most common with athletes who engage in overhead throwing games such as pitching. Basically, a SLAP tear occurs precisely where bicep tendons attach to the labrum due to several causes. A few of the common causes for SLAP injuries include performing repetitive actions involving the shoulder such as throwing, accidents in which one falls and lands on the arm, and lifting heavy objects.

The labrum section of the shoulder usually receives a low supply of blood and can hardly withstand the slightest form of injury. In comparison with other parts of the body which receive a rich supply of blood, an injury in the labrum region heals relatively slower. This is why anyone who suffers a SLAP injury is likely to experience repetitive shoulder pains every now and then.

A SLAP injury is usually characterized by a catching sensation or pain with slight shoulder movements. One is also likely to experience constant deep pain inside the shoulder or at the back of the joint. In some cases one might experience the pain in the front part of the joint which will indicate that the tear might have occurred due to biceps tendonitis. Although a SLAP tear can be corrected through surgical procedures, avoiding the risk of injuring the shoulder by observing proper mechanics and light shoulder exercises.